Govt Speeds Up Nuclear Power Project: Indonesia

Personally I believe that there are other alternatives for power sources rather than erect nuclear power plants. I wrote an article last week about the possibility of Indonesia building its first nuclear plant. It is now a reality.

In a Business News report the government plans to accelerate the development of a nuclear power plant ahead of the original proposed completion date of 2016 to help reduce dependence on expensive oil-based energy and ensure adequate power supplies in the face of rising demand.

Research and Technology Minister Kusmayanto Kadiman was quoted as saying that his ministry was currently putting the necessary procedures in place to speed up the project. He was asked if the government would seek nuclear technology from Iran, he replied that it was "possible."

Indonesia has an abundant of alternative power sources and being situated on a volcanic rim, it would only make common sense to harness what is available below the earth's surface and namely that of thermal energy.

However, Kusmayanto said that the government was still in the process of drawing up a shortlist of countries including South Korea, Japan, France and the U.S., that could supply the technology. In order to provide alternative energy sources the government plans to build a nuclear reactor in Muria, Central Java.
Kusmayanto also said there was a local investor willing to take the lead in the development of a nuclear power plant in Indonesia in collaboration with international firms with expertise in the nuclear field. However, he refused to name the investor.

Whoever supplies the technology then it should be applied with wise forethought and most importantly that Indonesia be up front and willing to come under scrutiny by the Atomic Energy Commission.